Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen became the center of attention during Saturday’s fierce Istanbul derby after clashing with Besiktas defender Emirhan Topcu in a heated on-field confrontation that overshadowed the 1-1 draw between Galatasaray and Besiktas at RAMS Park
The drama unfolded in the 40th minute when Osimhen was brought down by Topcu on the right flank. Expecting a foul, the Galatasaray star was left fuming when the referee signaled for a throw-in instead.
Visibly enraged, Osimhen stormed toward Topcu, leading to a tense face-off that quickly drew in players from both sides. Besiktas goalkeeper Mert Gunok rushed over to defend his teammate, while Galatasaray’s Orkun Kokcu and others scrambled to separate the two men before the scuffle could escalate further.
The fiery exchange electrified an already charged atmosphere inside the stadium, where more than 1,500 Besiktas fans had traveled from Tupras Stadium in 30 chartered buses to support their side. The away supporters filled their section hours before kickoff under tight security.
Besiktas struck first in the 12th minute through Tammy Abraham’s composed finish, but Galatasaray leveled the score later in the match, ensuring the spoils were shared. The draw extended Besiktas’ unbeaten away record this season, pushing them to 13 points in the league table.
After the game, former Turkish international and TV pundit Nihat Kahveci blasted match officials for not replaying the Osimhen-Topcu incident for closer scrutiny.
“Why can’t we see the replay of the Osimhen and Emirhan Topcu situation again? They were grabbing each other by the throat — we deserve to see what really happened,” Kahveci said.
He also criticized Besiktas’ cautious tactics despite playing with a numerical advantage at one point.
“I don’t know if this is the coach’s plan or a psychological issue, but Besiktas always pull back too early. Even with 11 against 10, Galatasaray played better football,” he remarked.
The match may have ended level on the scoreboard, but Osimhen’s fiery display and the ensuing clash with Topcu ensured that the derby would be remembered as much for its drama as for its football.
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